It’s common for first-timers to swear off marijuana forever because of a bad first experience. It’s easy to smoke too much by accident and feel overtly paranoid, woozy, and draw the conclusion that marijuana just isn’t your thing.

That bad first experience can be completely avoided with two simple tips: looking for strains that are high in CBD, or consuming a high-THC strain very slowly.

The safest bet would be to find a high CBD strain, which contains the non-psychoactive compound that will counteract the paranoia that THC is known for. These strains are very calm and mellow, and will leave you feeling very relaxed and cool. They’re also great for first-timers who’ve never smoked before and who don’t know how much each hit will affect them.

Another good option for first-timers would be to smoke high THC strains slowly, taking a single hit of a really low dose. Look for strains with around 15 percent of THC, which will be less overwhelming and easier to manage.

Here are seven strains that are great for beginners and users with a low tolerance for marijuana:

Harlequin

This high CBD strain is a sativa that’s mostly relaxing, euphoric and will leave you alert and not droopy. It’s perfect for treating anxiety and it’s also one of the best strains when it comes to controlling paranoia and the negative side effects of THC.

Pennywise

This high CBD indica is named after the scary clown from “It”. We don’t know who thought that was a good idea, but it’s still a pretty great strain for leaving you relaxed and stress free. Containing a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC, this strain is really welcoming for newbies. Unlike its name might suggest.

Cannatonic

This hybrid strain produces short but happy highs that work really well for people with low tolerance for cannabis and for newcomers of the drug. Cannatonic is also great for treating migraines, anxiety and other stress related symptoms.

Sour Tsunami

This hybrid strain was one of the first to be bred for its CBD content instead of its THC. This strain will not make you feel very “high”, just very relaxed and stress-free.

Chernobyl

This sativa strain has more THC than CBD, and is known for producing dreamy highs that are very cerebral and creative. While it doesn’t have that much THC, if you’re a newbie or have low tolerance for cannabis, you should consume it very slowly.

Permafrost

This sativa dominant hybrid produces relaxing effects that affect your mind and body in equal parts. This strain has been known to be a great supplement to other activities, narrowing your focus and helping you be more efficient.

Maui Wowie

This sativa will leave you in a creative mindset while also motivating you to move around.

TheFreshToast.com, a U.S. lifestyle site, that contributes lifestyle content and, with their partnership with 600,000 physicians via Skipta, medical marijuana information to The GrowthOp.

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